Joao Cancelo, the Portuguese defender, hasn't clarified his club future for the upcoming season, whether it's with Barcelona, where he's been on loan, or Manchester City, where he's contracted until 2027. He emphasized that he's "focused" on EURO 2024, seeking redemption from 2020 when he felt his omission from the squad was "unfair."

"I'm 100% focused on the national team, on helping Portugal. EURO 2020 was unfair to me, and now I want to make a statement. For myself, my family, those who care about me, and my friends who wanted to be here, dreaming of this moment just like me," he said at a press conference two days before their first game against the Czech Republic.

"I always dreamed of playing for Portugal in a EURO. It was unfair because I had a great season and felt I deserved to be there, but life had other plans," he recalled about the last edition when he contracted COVID-19 and was replaced in the squad by Diogo Dalot.

"No matter how many clubs I play for, the national team is the highlight of my career because it represents my family, my friends who played with me on the streets, and those who love me. It's always the most significant, whether it's a friendly or a major competition," Cancelo continued, anticipating a very intense Czech Republic team with great physical condition, which Portugal must counter with good ball possession to disrupt them.

"They're a very physical team with quality players," added Cancelo, who was asked about a recurring topic: Is the current squad the best in Portugal's history? "It's hard to say... There's a lot of quality here, but there were also great teams like the one in EURO 2004 that had phenomenal players and reached the final," he said.

"If we achieve the same and win, we'll go down in history. And there's also the 2016 generation that won the EURO and is already part of Portugal's history. I hope we can make history too," he added.

He also praised the work of Roberto Martínez, the national coach after the Qatar 2022 World Cup. "From day one, he made me feel comfortable. He's very close to the players, has good ideas, likes to attack, is offensive, and attractive. I think the same way. He fits my style, and everyone feels the same. We hope to give him joy; he's made a difference since he arrived and adapted very quickly," Cancelo highlighted.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing in his sixth EURO. "It's the result of his hard work, talent, and everything he's achieved. He's the leader, the captain," said the fullback, who doesn't mind playing on the right or the left. He also mentioned the strong starts of Spain and Germany, considering them "two favorites," along with "three or four more."